OLD people's homes could be the latest council service to come under the control of a public-private partnership.

Middlesbrough Borough Council is proposing the transfer as part of an overhaul of the way its old people's homes are run. It plans to create an Intermediate Care Centre for the town, including up to 40 beds, a day care centre, and a base for community rehabilitation and support services.

The existing Parklands Home would become a short- stay unit and receive extra staff. The Albert Cocks Home in Thorntree would be relocated next year, in time for the opening of the Woodside Mental Health Resource Centre.

Kirkley Lodge would have its contract renewed to accommodate intermediate care, special needs and the expansion of its day-care service.

It is proposed that work be undertaken to develop the council's old people's workforce to form a Middlesbrough Care Service, and that a consultation process on the changes be started.

To implement the revised services, the development of a public-private partnership using existing staff is recommended.